This is the 2000s bottling of the Macallan Cask Strength and was the last version of the MCS to be seen in the market; its death was mourned by whisky and Macallan fans the world over. It was arguably the best thing, within a reasonable price, that Macallan had in their lineup.
It was pure tragedy to see it leave and maybe someday they’ll come to their senses and bring it back. Though based on their current pricing it’ll probably carry a $200+ price tag which kills the “reasonable price” part. On second thought, maybe it’s better it stays dead…
On to the Macallan Cask Strength review.
Macallan Cask Strength Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Macallan
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Sherry
Age: NAS
ABV: 60.1%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
Macallan Cask Strength Review
EYE
Ruby
NOSE
Nuts, raspberry, cocoa, leather, rich dark fruit, oily spice, graham and a touch herbal.
PALATE
Nuts, cocoa, dark fruit, leather, caramel, oily spice, graham and a touch of anise.
FINISH
Long fade of dark fruit, caramel, leather and dark fruit.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, full body and a heavy oily feel
OVERALL
Macallan Cask Strength is a great whisky. Rich, oily and full of that dense dark sherry character that sherry-bomb lovers go gaga for. Aroma is heady and thick with a dark sherry character that almost borders on savory. That same dark heavy character moves into the palate and continues through the finish as it slowly dissipates from the senses.
I know Macallan is being stingy with their sherry casks so they can put out overpriced crap like the Rare Cask. Sure it’s more profitable than putting out a solid cask strength heavily sherried whisky, but I don’t see how it will help brand reputation in the long run. They should really consider bringing back the Macallan Cask Strength as a yearly release, it would be a crowd pleaser for sure.
SCORE: 90/100 (A-)
